In a few weeks the futuristic Solar Impulse aircraft will embark on its unprecedented flight around the world – powered only by the sun and supported by high-tech materials.

STRATASYS, a leader of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, said the Italian division of international consumer goods giant Unilever has cut lead times for prototype parts by 40 per cent since introducing Stratasys’ PolyJet 3D printing technology into its manufacturing process.

United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched to space recently from the John F Kennedy Space Centre, Cape Canaveral, Florida (US). The Atlas V rocket, built by ULA, utilises engineering analysis and simulation software from Siemens’ product lifecycle management software business.

UK-based Intertec, a supplier of unique systems designed to provide reliable protection of sensitive field-mounted instruments, has launched a large cube-shaped sunshade for process instrumentation.